The first day home after retirement is a momentous occasion. After years of dedication, it's finally time to sit back and enjoy the day. But it can also be a time of mixed feelings, as happiness, melancholy, and a bit of uncertainty often pave the very beginning of the retirement journey. If a good friend or close relative is retiring soon, why not plan ahead for a little more joy and attention on such a special day?

1. Breakfast Surprise

Waking up on a weekday and not going to work for the first time in decades may feel... different. Certainly exciting, but also daunting. And the breakfast surprise is our number one and most beloved way to start the first hour of this new journey with joy.

Imagine the newly retiree waking up to the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee. As they head into the kitchen, they're greeted by a beautifully decorated table, complete with inspiring Happy Retirement toppers, labels, and mini flags designed for this moment. All printed and assembled by you.

What better way to celebrate the first hour of this milestone than with a delicious and unique breakfast?

2. Morning Reflection

As you sit down to enjoy the special breakfast together, take a moment to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the retiree is feeling melancholic and wants to talk about career challenges, the people they met along the way, and, of course, funny stories. Or not. The retiree may want to discuss their plans for the near future, such as travels, hobbies, or reconnecting with old friends. Or maybe the retiree just wants to quietly sip their cup and listen to whatever you have to share.

Join them for this inaugural and priceless moment of relaxation and freedom.

3. Calling Just Because

No meeting to interrupt, no bad time to call. On their first day of retirement, the retiree will be available most of the time. And that can bring them a feeling of loneliness at first.

It's not like they want or need to do something, but they might like answering your call just to hear you ask how they're doing.

When you can, in the middle of the day, give it a try and call your dear retiree. Or if you're around, pause what you're doing to ask them how they're feeling. Just because.

4. Planning Dinner

With the end of the day drawing near, start planning a special dinner with the retiree. Maybe they want to go out, maybe they prefer to order or have done groceries and want to cook something they love.

This event can be even more fun if you also invite family and friends, secretly or not! It is perfect to close such a day.

Some beautiful ideas for a wonderful evening:

Memories Board: Set up a display with photos and memorabilia from the retiree's career and personal life, highlighting their milestones.

Guest Book or Memory Box: Invite guests to write their well wishes and memories of the retiree. This will surely be a treasured keepsake.

Toasts and Speeches: Invite guests to talk about the retiree. This will inevitably bring back wonderful memories and lots of smiles and laughter.

It's all about the joy of freedom.

After years of following a structured routine, suddenly having an endless amount of free time can be overwhelming. But it's also a time to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in life. The retiree is lucky to have you around at this time in their life. Have fun together!